5 Ways to Stop "Verification Required" When Installing Free Apps

Every single day, a batch of new apps is released on the App Store. Some of them are paid, while others are free. However, recently, some users have found that when they install free apps on their iPhones, they are always prompted to add a card as a payment source. This happens every time the user tries to download any app. Even free apps ask for a payment method.

In this article, we will explore the importance of verification when installing free apps and explain why you’re required to verify when installing free apps. Finally, we’ll learn how to get rid of the "Verification Required" message when installing free apps.

Why Is Verification Required for Free Apps?

Apple asks for the requirement for verification to ensure user safety, data privacy, and app integrity. This mainly helps to prevent malicious software from affecting your iOS devices. Under this high-quality standard, you’ll have a healthier app ecosystem.

Now, let’s see some of the key reasons why verification is required when you install free apps:

• Your apps are verified to have no malware, viruses, or other harmful content after the verification.
• Many apps require access to personal data, such as contacts, photos, or location information. To protect data privacy, you can confirm that the app is legitimate by verification.
• Verification encourages developers to adhere to best practices when developing apps. Developers are more likely to provide consistent support and regular updates for verified apps.
• Some countries have implemented strict data protection laws to verify apps. This will ensure the apps comply with regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the European Union.

How to Stop "Verification Required" When Installing Free Apps

If you try to download free apps on your iPhone, you’ll be asked to provide a payment method, even though the app is free. This is because Apple requires a valid payment method on file for your Apple ID for authentication and making potential purchases within the app. To bypass the verification, you can take the following measures:

Sign Out and Back in to Your Apple ID

The quickest way is to sign out and then sign back in to your Apple ID. By doing so, you can refresh your Apple ID and clear temporary glitches and issues. Sometimes, you may encounter bugs or synchronization problems in the Apple Store, which can lead to unexpected verification requests. However, if you attempt to sign out and sign back in, you’ll reset your Apple ID and get reconnected to the App Store. This will get rid of the unexpected verification requests as a result.

Here is how to sign out and sign in to your Apple ID:

1. Go to Settings and navigate to your Apple ID.
2. Click on the “Sign Out” option and restart your device
3. Sign back in to your Apple ID in Settings.

It’s quite easy to sign out of your Apple ID if you can enter the password. What if you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password? Don’t worry; you can use BuhoUnlocker to get rid of your Apple ID without a password. As a professional iOS unlocker, it can also unlock your screen lock, Screen Time lock, and MDM profile.

Here is how to remove Apple ID without a password.

Enable the App Store Restrictions

Sometimes, you can see the “Verification Required” prompt when you’ve enabled the “Parental Control” feature. This function can help parents control their children’s behaviors - it may require additional verification when downloading apps or making in-app purchases. Therefore, you can bypass the verification by allowing the App Store restrictions.

Alt: Enable the App Store Restrictions

1. Go to Settings and navigate to Screen Time.
2. Find Content & Privacy Restrictions and enable the “ Installing Apps and In-app Purchases”.

Change Payment Method to “None”

If you haven’t associated a payment with your Apple ID, you won’t be required to verify your account. You can make this by selecting the “None” option under your Apple ID settings. This option is available if you don't have any active subscriptions or unpaid balances, or if you're not part of a Family Sharing group. By setting your payment method to “None”, you’ll bypass the verification requirement for downloading free apps.

You can switch the payment to “None” in Settings:

1. Open "Settings" on your iPhone and access your profile.
2. Find "Payment & Shipping" and tap on "Add Payment Method".
3. Choose "None" to remove the requirement for the app payments.

Check Family Sharing Settings

Family Sharing allows multiple users to share purchases and subscriptions under a primary Apple ID account. If you’ve enabled the “Ask to Buy” within a Family Sharing group, the primary Apple ID account needs to approve other members’ app downloads or purchase requests. This feature is designed to prevent unauthorized purchases of apps. Parents especially like to use it to prevent their children from purchasing inside the apps. By checking and adjusting the Family Sharing settings, you can stop verification required when installing free apps. This enables you to install free apps without getting approval from the primary Apple ID account holder.

Here is how to check and adjust the Family Sharing settings:

1. Open Settings and tap on your Apple ID profile at the top.
2. In the Apple ID menu, tap on the “Family” option.
3. Review your Family Sharing settings and check the “Ask to Buy” settings.
4. If you’re the primary account holder, you can toggle off “Ask to Buy” to allow family members to download apps and make purchases without your approval.

Download Free Apps from Third-Party Tools

If you’ve jailbroken your device, you may try to use third-party tools to install apps on your iPhone or iPad. To prevent malware or bugs, you need to work on a trustworthy channel. Among the popular channels, TestFlight is worth trying. The good news is that Apple officially sanctions it. Developers like to test beta versions on this platform before formally launching them. It’s free to enjoy prerelease app versions, but you need to be invited to the beta test first. If you want to be invited to the test, you can find information about open resources at WABetaInfo or on Reddit.

Here is how to use TestFlight to install apps on your iPhone:

1. Free install TestFlight on your iPhone.
2. Join a beta testing group and ask developers for a test link. Then accept the test in the app.
3. Once you’ve accepted the invitation, you’ll see the apps in your TestFlight app list. Tap “Install” to download the beta version.

Conclusion

While installing free apps, stopping the verification requirement can be more convenient. However, it’s also essential to ensure you’ve downloaded free apps from official channels. In most cases, a secure channel will protect you from potential risks from malicious software. In a nutshell, you should balance the desire for easy access to free apps without verification and the app's security.